Federal prosecutors in the U.S. charged 20 people, including 15 former college basketball players, in a betting scheme to rig games in the NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). The accused allegedly conspired to fix games from September 2022 through February 2025 using strategies like point shaving and bribing players.
Key Facts
15 of the charged individuals played for Division 1 NCAA teams until the 2024-2025 season.
The scheme involved fixing both NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association games.
Prosecutors claim games were manipulated using point shaving, which alters the margin of victory.
Several universities' games were targeted, including Nicholls State and Tulane University.
Authorities also charged sports trainers, fixers, and former players involved in the case.
Bribes offered to players reportedly ranged from $10,000 to $30,000 per game.
The investigation follows earlier NCAA actions against players for betting-related offenses.
Previous incidents involved over 30 arrests linked to illegal gambling in professional basketball.
The article discusses a special betting promotion by BetMGM for new users, offering a bonus for NBA games. It covers the Phoenix Suns vs. Detroit Pistons game details and how to activate the BetMGM bonus.
Key Facts
BetMGM is offering a special bonus code "WEEK1550" for new users.
The promotion includes a $1,500 bet offer and $50 in BetMGM Rewards.
The bonus can be used for NBA games such as Celtics vs. Heat and Suns vs. Pistons.
If the initial bet loses, users can get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets.
Detroit Pistons are considered strong at home, with defensive stats noted in the article.
Phoenix Suns' performance on the road is highlighted, noting their strategy of forcing turnovers.
To activate the bonus, users must register an account, enter the code, and make a deposit.
Newsweek may earn a commission from sign-ups through their article links.
The article discusses a promotion for new customers on the sports betting platform bet365. By using the code WEEK365 and placing a qualifying $5 bet, users can receive $200 in bonus bets, particularly for NBA games like the Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat matchup.
Key Facts
bet365 offers a promotion with the bonus code WEEK365.
New users must place a $5 qualifying wager to earn $200 in bonus bets.
This is applicable for NBA games, including the Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat.
The Celtics and Heat matchup is part of the NBA's Rivals Week.
Users need to register a new account and deposit funds to access the promotion.
Bonus bets are given regardless of whether the initial wager wins or loses.
bet365 provides various secure payment methods for deposits.
Newsweek earns affiliate commissions if readers sign up through links in the article.
The Kansas City Chiefs missed the NFL playoffs for the 2025-26 season with a 6-11 record. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a knee injury, ending his season early, and he acknowledged his role in the team's challenges. Mahomes is currently recovering and hopes to be ready for the next season.
Key Facts
The Chiefs finished the season with six wins and eleven losses.
This is the first time in a decade the Chiefs have not made the playoffs.
Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, a knee ligament, in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mahomes mentioned mistakes like red zone interceptions and inconsistent offensive play as issues.
Mahomes completed 62.7% of his passes, with 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
These statistics marked a career low for Mahomes in both passing yards and touchdowns, except for his rookie year.
Mahomes is currently undergoing rehabilitation and aims to be ready with no restrictions for the next season's start.
Travis Kelce, an NFL player, expressed his admiration for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on his podcast. Williams made a memorable play that helped the Bears achieve their biggest comeback in playoff history. The Bears now face the Los Angeles Rams in the upcoming round.
Key Facts
Travis Kelce spoke highly of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on his podcast "New Heights."
Caleb Williams made a notable fourth-down throw during a game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Chicago Bears overcame an 18-point deficit at halftime in their playoff match.
The Bears' win marked their biggest comeback in postseason history.
Williams and head coach Ben Johnson led the team to victory in this game.
The Bears will play against the Los Angeles Rams next.
Rams coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford are known for their strong performances in the playoffs.
The Green Bay Packers and their head coach, Matt LaFleur, are discussing a new contract. LaFleur's current contract goes until 2026, but the team wants to avoid starting the next season without a long-term agreement. Talks are ongoing after the team ended the 2025 season on a disappointing note.
Key Facts
The Packers and Matt LaFleur have not yet agreed on a new contract.
LaFleur has a 76-40-1 record with the Packers and has led the team to six playoff appearances.
His current contract lasts until the end of 2026.
The Packers want to avoid starting the new season with LaFleur in a "lame-duck" position (a situation where a leader is perceived as ineffective).
The team's 2025 season ended with five straight losses, including a playoff defeat.
Contract negotiations focus on pay and how long the new contract will last.
LaFleur has chosen not to talk much publicly about the contract situation.
There is hope from inside the league that a deal will eventually be reached.
Tommy Fleetwood made an impressive putt in a golf tournament in Dubai, closing in on the leader, Rory McIlroy. Fleetwood is just three shots behind McIlroy in the competition.
Key Facts
Tommy Fleetwood made a significant putt in Dubai.
This event is part of the Dubai Invitational golf tournament.
Fleetwood is currently three shots behind the leader, Rory McIlroy.
Fleetwood won the same tournament the previous year.
The news about this event is accessible only to UK users.
Rumors are circulating about a possible trade involving Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the trade is complicated due to the rivalry between the teams and the Lakers' lack of appealing trade assets. Additionally, financial constraints and strategic considerations make this trade challenging for the Lakers.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Lakers are considering trading for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Jonathan Kuminga is a former lottery pick known for his athletic ability and defensive skills.
The Lakers and Warriors are rivals, complicating potential trade negotiations.
The Lakers have expiring player contracts they might trade, but the Warriors may not find them appealing.
Acquiring Kuminga would limit the Lakers financially due to NBA salary cap rules.
The Lakers are looking for a player who adds athleticism, which Kuminga can provide.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers president of basketball operations, reportedly favors Kuminga's addition to a Luka Doncic-led team.
The NBA trade deadline is approaching on February 5.
Dillon Brooks was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Phoenix Suns during a major trade that also involved Kevin Durant. Brooks had played a key role in improving the Rockets' performance and is now having a strong season with the Suns. He made comments on how the Memphis Grizzlies, his former team, has struggled since his departure.
Key Facts
Dillon Brooks was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Phoenix Suns as part of a deal that also involved Kevin Durant going to Houston.
Brooks had signed a four-year, $86 million contract with Houston in 2023 and helped the team improve their record significantly.
In the current season, Brooks is averaging 21.3 points per game with career-high shooting percentages.
The Phoenix Suns have improved their defensive ranking significantly with Brooks on the team.
Memphis Grizzlies have experienced struggles since Brooks left, currently holding a 17-22 record.
Memphis did not attempt to re-sign Brooks due to concerns about his influence on the team.
Brooks has a reputation for being a strong defensive player and for changing team dynamics positively.
Kevin Stefanski, former head coach of the Cleveland Browns, is predicted to be a top candidate to lead the Baltimore Ravens in 2026. The Ravens are looking for new leadership after parting ways with John Harbaugh, who coached the team for 18 seasons. Stefanski is noted for his offensive skills and familiarity with the AFC North division.
Key Facts
Kevin Stefanski was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for six seasons.
The Baltimore Ravens are searching for a new head coach after releasing John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh coached the Ravens for 18 years.
The Ravens ended their 2025 season with disappointing results.
Stefanski is respected for his offensive strategies and knowledge of the AFC North, where the Ravens play.
He has won two NFL Coach of the Year awards.
ESPN's projections list Stefanski as a leading candidate for the Ravens' head coach position.
Baltimore plans to interview various candidates for the head coach role.
Clayton Kershaw, a retired pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Despite retiring at the end of the 2025 season, Kershaw shared that he was excited to join the team after a recruitment call from manager Mark DeRosa.
Key Facts
Clayton Kershaw retired from MLB after the 2025 season.
He will play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Kershaw was invited to join by Team USA manager Mark DeRosa.
Kershaw initially thought the call was for a coaching role but agreed to play.
Despite retirement, Kershaw has job offers including an analyst role at NBC.
He recently welcomed his fifth child with his wife, Ellen.
Kershaw can still stay involved with the Dodgers in an advisory role.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed a 17-year-old international prospect, Michael Mesa, for $900,000. Mesa is an outfielder with strong hitting potential and ranks as the 30th top international prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed 17-year-old Michael Mesa for $900,000.
Mesa is ranked as the 30th international prospect by MLB Pipeline.
He is an outfielder with strong potential as a hitter.
Mesa is noted for his speed and athleticism.
The signing is part of the Blue Jays' effort to strengthen their farm system.
A "farm system" refers to a team's minor league affiliates where they develop young players.
Mesa is expected to perform well in the lower levels of the minor leagues.
Igor Thiago, a Brazilian football player, has made a significant impact in the Premier League by scoring the most goals by a Brazilian in a single season. Despite a challenging upbringing and facing numerous setbacks early in his career, Thiago stayed determined to succeed, largely driven by a promise he made to his mother.
Key Facts
Thiago promised his mother during childhood that he would become a professional footballer.
He faced multiple rejections in football trials across Brazil before signing with a club at 17.
Thiago scored 16 goals this season and aims for 20, having achieved this in past European seasons.
He started at Gremio Ocidental, and later played for Cruzeiro, a major Brazilian football club.
Thiago struggled with depression and considered quitting football due to pressures during tough times at Cruzeiro.
His experience in futsal, a type of indoor soccer, helped develop his quick thinking and dynamic playing style.
Mike Tomlin, the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is considered a top candidate for the Atlanta Falcons' head coaching position. The Falcons are actively interviewing various candidates for their coaching vacancy after making changes in their football operations.
Key Facts
Mike Tomlin recently left the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons.
Under Tomlin, the Steelers never had a losing season and won a Super Bowl.
The Atlanta Falcons are searching for a new head coach after parting ways with former coach Raheem Morris.
Mike Tomlin is seen as a strong candidate due to his leadership and success.
The Falcons are interviewing multiple candidates, including former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce.
Despite challenges, Tomlin remains a top choice in media and fan discussions.
The Falcons have brought in Matt Ryan as president of football operations.
The Miami Hurricanes are preparing for a national championship game and looking for a new quarterback for the next season since Carson Beck is leaving. They offered significant money to Ty Simpson, a former Alabama quarterback, but he declined. Miami plans to keep searching for a new quarterback despite limited options.
Key Facts
Miami Hurricanes are competing in the national championship game.
Carson Beck will not be the quarterback for Miami next season.
Miami tried to keep key players by offering significant NIL deals.
Ty Simpson, despite being offered $6.5 million, did not join Miami.
Miami is facing challenges in finding experienced quarterbacks for the next season.
Several top quarterback options have already signed with other teams.
Miami remains determined to upgrade their quarterback position.
NIL refers to "Name, Image, Likeness" agreements for college athletes.
Miami and Indiana will face off in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in 2025. Indiana is heavily favored over Miami, with prediction markets and sportsbooks giving Indiana a 74% chance to win. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Key Facts
The championship game will be played on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Indiana, the top seed, has a record of 15-0 for the season.
Miami is the 10-seed with a record of 13-2.
Indiana defeated Alabama and Oregon by more than 30 points in their playoff games.
Betting platforms list Indiana as 8.5-point favorites.
Prediction markets give Indiana a 74% chance to win the championship.
The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be shown on ESPN.
Willi Castro, a baseball player, joined the Colorado Rockies after leaving the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs had previously traded for him from the Minnesota Twins during the 2025 season, but he signed a new contract with the Rockies after becoming a free agent.
Key Facts
Willi Castro played for the Cubs briefly after being traded from the Twins.
He became a free agent after the 2025 World Series ended.
Castro signed a two-year contract with the Colorado Rockies.
In his career, Castro has a batting average of .244 with 56 home runs and 75 stolen bases.
He has played for the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago Cubs.
Castro played 34 games for the Cubs and participated in two postseason games without a plate appearance.
The Chicago Cubs were knocked out of the playoffs by the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Chicago Bulls have given an update on player Josh Giddey, who has been injured since December 29 with a hamstring issue. Bulls coach Billy Donovan mentioned that Giddey is increasing his activity and could return by early February if there are no setbacks.
Key Facts
Josh Giddey is a player for the Chicago Bulls.
He has been out since December 29 due to a left hamstring injury.
Before his injury, Giddey was having a strong season, averaging 19.2 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists per game.
The Bulls have struggled without Giddey, losing 4 of their last 6 games.
As of mid-January, the Bulls are the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 19-21 record.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan stated that Giddey is starting to ramp up his activities and might return before February.
Giddey’s return could help stabilize the team as they face a tight Eastern Conference Play-In race.
The article discusses a prediction challenge involving Chris Sutton, Drew McIntyre, and AI for upcoming Premier League matches. Chris Sutton, a former Celtic player, and Drew McIntyre, a WWE champion, have a past rivalry based on their Scottish football team loyalties. Drew McIntyre is currently touring in the UK after winning the WWE championship for the third time.
Key Facts
Chris Sutton is making Premier League predictions and competing against WWE champion Drew McIntyre and AI.
Drew McIntyre is a WWE world champion and a fan of the Rangers football team.
Chris Sutton is a former Celtic striker, and has a rivalry with McIntyre due to their football team loyalties.
The challenge involves predicting the outcomes of 10 Premier League matches.
A correct prediction of win, draw, or defeat earns 10 points, while an exact score prediction earns 40 points.
Drew McIntyre is on the WWE Live Road to Royal Rumble Tour in the UK.
Chris Sutton commented on McIntyre's recent WWE success, mentioning their past rivalry.
AI predictions are generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat.
Cricketers in Bangladesh have started a boycott of all cricket formats. This action came after a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official made critical comments about the players. Following the boycott, the BCB dismissed the official from his position.
Key Facts
Bangladeshi cricketers are boycotting games in all formats.
The boycott started after a BCB official criticized the players publicly.
Two matches in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) were postponed because teams did not show up.
The BCB official, Nazmul Islam, suggested players should repay money spent on them.
The players demanded Islam's removal from the BCB.
The BCB stated that Islam's remarks did not reflect its values and sacked him.
There has been no update on whether the boycott will continue after Islam's dismissal.
